NEIGHBORS

A drive along the back roads reveals cow crossing signs, but not many road signs, so keep a good map in the car.

If you misread the map and need to turn around in someone's driveway, you may back into a cornfield.

If you travel at night, expect to see "snow" flying into your headlights. But you'll soon realize it's the wheat blowing off the fields as a dedicated farmer mows after sundown.

Folks wave from their front porches as you drive down McKinstry's Mill Road in Linwood.

A street sign at the corner of Union Bridge Road and Main St. in Union Bridge points to no less that six different destinations -- Keymar, Uniontown, Bark Hill Road, Francis Scott Key High School, Main Street and Union Bridge. It's better than the road to Oz.

Round any corner, and you might see the Catoctin mountains looming on the horizon, dozens of cows dotting the countryside, a Civil War landmark, or the birthplace of Francis Scott Key. If this sounds like home, it must be Carroll County.

*

Real-life ghosts and goblins and other creatures who want to trick or treat in Uniontown need to know that hours for going door-to-door are from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Halloween night. Knock on doors where you see a light on.

*

Passers-by driving along Clear Ridge Road might do a double-take when they come to the house at 302. A life-size Dracula, witch and monster in human poses are lurking to greet you at the door.

The scary creatures were crafted by Cindy and Norman Putman and their sons Joseph and Chris, who are students at New Windsor Middle School. Mrs. Putman made the human-like faces from papier-mache. Mr. Putman constructed their twisted metal bodies.

The sight is definitely worth a closer look on Halloween night.

* Nothing spooky about this one: The Merry Methodist Christmas Bazaar, sponsored by the Messiah United Methodist Church in Taneytown, will be Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the church on Middle Street. Homemade crafts, a bake table, lunch, and "Papa's Closet" are features of this annual event.

The New Windsor Halloween parade is tomorrow at 7 p.m., with registration at 6 p.m. at the Middle School on Green Valley Road. A party follows. The event is sponsored by the New Windsor Lions Club.

*

Don't let your cholesterol count scare you. Get it checked today between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Taneytown Pharmacy on Baltimore St. Trained technicians will be on hand to take your cholesterol count as well as an HDL (the good cholesterol) count. The cost is $16 for both, or you can choose one at a reduced price. Information: 751-1700.

*

Time to boogie down on Halloween night at the American Legion Hall in Taneytown. For $15 a couple you can dance the night away to music spun by DJ "Great Scott."

Costumes are optional, but judges will be on hand to award prizes to folks who come dressed for the occasion. There will be refreshments.

The dance is sponsored by the American Legion, Hesson-Snider Post 126, in the ballroom at 9 Broad St. Proceeds benefit community youth activities.